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15 Amazing Tubs for Homeowners Who Want to Soak in Style

While showers may rule morning routines, freestanding tubs have become the must-have in spa-inspired bathrooms. Their shapely forms inject instant drama into any space, but perhaps more importantly, “they give consumers and designers incredible flexibility for placement,” says Michael Kornowa, director of marketing for MTI Baths.

In large bathrooms, homeowners are installing freestanding tubs as centerpieces and swapping their alcove baths for roomier 5- and 6-foot showers. In tighter quarters, some are borrowing closet space or opting for compact models.

“Our Chelsea small is a 5-foot freestanding tub that is very popular in New York City bathrooms,” says Bob Gifford, director of bath products for Hastings Tile & Bath.

“We’re also seeing homeowners move the tub into the master bedroom,” especially in open-plan master suites that blur or eliminate the boundary between bathroom and bedroom, says Kornowa. Interestingly, he continues, a few hotels now offer guestrooms with a similar setup, which can be a draw as it feels more spacious and introduces daylight into the bath area, “but it’s not for everyone.”

Most freestanding tubs are made of cast acrylic or engineered solid surface. In the former, an acrylic sheet is thermoformed over a mold and then strengthened with backing material. How much or the type of backing used affects structural integrity and heat retention. A more durable and increasingly popular option, engineered solid surface, encompasses a wide range of materials, but it typically involves a mixture of natural stone and binding agents that are liquefied and then molded. Some manufacturers finish it with a gel coat, while others do not.

Given all the interest in freestanding tubs, one would think that sales for drop-in units are suffering. Not so, says Kornowa. The reason may be that while some freestanding baths are available with such spa-like amenities as air bath, whirlpool, radiant heating, and chromatherapy, selection is limited. Integrating these features without compromising aesthetics requires considerable engineering and investment, because you can’t just add, say, a conventional air bath system to a freestanding tub, which “would be ugly as sin,” says Kornowa.

As with all things, time will no doubt resolve such technical issues. Until then, here are 15 tubs where your clients and buyers can soak and relax:

Stone Forest’s Papillon is now available in Cumulo granite, which is quarried in India. Fabricated from a single block of stone, the 1,800-pound soaker stands 26 inches high, 68 inches wide, and 44 inches deep. stoneforest.com

From BainUltra, the rectilinear Nokori freestanding tub creates a clean, minimalist look whether placed in the middle of a room, against a wall, or in an alcove. Offered in five sizes, it can be outfitted with hydrothermal massage, heated backrests, chromatherapy, and Geysair technology, which keeps the water warm longer. bainultra.com

Designed by Patricia Urquiola for Agape, Cuna is a compact solid surface freestanding tub with a tubular steel frame. Available in multiple finish combinations, it has a 58-gallon capacity and measures approximately 65 inches by 20½ inches by 31 inches. agapedesign.it/en

From Aquabrass, Bali puts a modern spin on the classic footed tub. Made of stone resin with a durable gloss finish, this stylish soaker measures 65-1/4 inches by 32-5/8 inches by 22-1/16 inches and has a 68-gallon capacity. aquabrass.com

Drummonds offers the solid cast iron Tay with a double-ended roll top and an exterior that can be specified unfinished, primed for painting, custom painted in a variety of glossy and matte RAL colors, polished (shown), or finished in hand-pressed copper or brass. drummonds-usa.com

Kohler’s Underscore oval bath allows users to personalize relaxation with a variety of optional features, such as Bluetooth speakers for playing music and providing sound vibration; air massage; whirlpool massage; a heated surface in the neck, back, and shoulder areas; and chromatherapy. us.kohler.com

The Maax Professional line recently added Brioso, a white two-piece transitional-style tub available with a white, platinum grey, black, or ruby exterior. The tub comes in two sizes—60 inches by 42 inches and 66 inches by 36 inches—and can accommodate faucet installation on its deck. maax.com

At 58 inches long and 30-1/4 inches wide, the Addison 5 from MTI Baths fits easily into a standard 60-inche alcove. Made from durable engineered solid stone, the tub features 1-inch-thin walls, which create a more spacious bathing well, and comes in soaking and air bath models. mtibaths.com

Teuco is offering its new Mia tub with the patented Hydroline whirlpool system, which replaces conventional jets with flush-fit nozzles, each containing an ultra-thin slit. Users can rotate the nozzles to direct the water where needed. teuco.com

Pescadero from Victoria + Albert expresses its nautical roots with an undulant shape and rim design. Made of volcanic limestone and resin, the freestanding tub has a gloss white interior and an exterior that is available in six colors. It measures 68 5/8 inches by 29 5/8 inches. vandabaths.com/us

Part of Wetstyle’s W2 line, the transitional-style Cloud features a rolled rim and is made of eco-friendly Wetmar BiO, a petrochemical-free material composed primarily of mineral stone and soy. Available in gloss or matte white, the tub measures 62 inches long, 29 7/8 inches wide, and 22 7/8 inches. deep. wetstyle.ca

Though striking as a freestanding model, Splinter Works’ Vessel is most compelling as a suspended hammock-style installation. Supported by stainless steel brackets at both ends, the tub comprises layers of carbon fiber and an insulating foam core and extends about 8 feet to 9 feet in length; custom sizes are available. Vessel comes in a variety of colors, as well as a lacquered 24-karat gold leaf finish (shown). www.splinterworks.co.uk

Offered in matte or gloss white, Blu Bathworks’ Halo is an ovoid freestanding tub measuring 67 inches by 31-1/2 inches. Fabricated from blu•stone, an engineered quartzite material, it has a sloped back and an 82.5-gallon capacity. A 59-inch-long Petite model is also available. blubathworks.com